A proposed amendment to the curfew ordinance in the French Quarter has sparked sharp criticism from some in the community.

Councilwoman Kristen Palmer wants to keep youth off French Quarter streets after 8 p.m. to help curb crime and underage drinking.

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Police said last year there were almost 800 arrests of juveniles in the quarter. Currently, teenagers age 18 and younger must be home by 11 p.m. Palmer would see that curfew moved up three hours to 8 p.m. for minors younger than 16.

"Knowing the behaviors that happen in this area in this area with a high concentration of alcohol beverage outlets and an adult permissive atmosphere not to put one area of the city over another but I felt as it is in my district with would be a good area to test fly this," Palmer said.

Palmer said the goal is to reduce crime and underage drinking that may happen after hours, hoping to make it a safer environment for everyone. Business owners and residents of the quarter said they agree.

"We feel it's important in helping young people protect themselves actually so many visitors in the quarter some people don't have a clue what they are getting into when they are walking down Bourbon Street late at night," said Carol Allen, of Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents, and Associates, Inc.

Still, the measure has drawn criticism from some in the community. Many activists are saying the crime problem in the city goes beyond enforcing a curfew -- particularly in only one part of the city.

"Parents should impose curfews themselves on children it should not be the responsibility of the City Council to tell you when your child should be in the house," community activist Sandra Hester said.

"What we are saying is that don't just single out one person in the community and say we need protection over our kids, because what happens is that when you drive them out of the French Quarter they are coming somewhere else," community activist Norris Henderson said.

The curfew would affect the areas bounded by Canal Street and Elysian Fields, Rampart and the Mississippi River. Frenchman Street would be included in that zone.

The curfew ordinance would have several exceptions, including minors who are accompanied by a parent or guardian, and those who are traveling to and from work.